American Sign Language

American Sign Language, abbreviated as ASL, is a distinct language from English with distinct rules and distinct grammar structure, per the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), which calls ASLthe backbone of the American Deaf Culture.

One does not speak ASL but signs in ASL. One may also use or communicate in ASL.

Use American Sign Language on first reference. Use ASL on subsequent references with the <abbr> tag:

<abbr title="American Sign Language">ASL</abbr>

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